Tag Archives: Napa Valley

It’s Friday. All I want to do is get my hands on a tasty cocktail and some sweet cream from Napa’s Miminashi. It never disappoints. But that’s a discussion for another time.

Let’s get to my favorite posts from around the web in this week’s Friday Five!

1. If you like street art and “secret” locations, this place is for you! I’d totally be down to check it out.

2. Starburst fans rejoice! I can’t wait to get my hands on this limited edition bag full of deliciousness!

3. You don’t need to be a Somm to enjoy the places on this list. Your favorite Napa local (me, duh) has personally (and frequently..) experienced each place listed and can attest to their collective awesomeness.

4. I’m a big fan of meal prepping for the week, when I can remember/have time to do it! This plan sounds easy, flavorful, and like it won’t bore me for the week!

5. Italy has always been one of my wanderlust destinations. Here‘s exactly why I want to go.

The last few weeks have been a bit turbulent. (And the current political state isn’t making it any easier.) Between overcoming health issues and rebounding from the holidays, I’ve been feeling a bit scattered and not very motivated. It felt weird to share all of these cool things that I’m genuinely excited about without coming off as tactless or superficial. I didn’t want to fake my way through posting in an effort to meet the scheduling I’d set on myself, so I decided a break was in order. And yes, it was definitely not you, it was me. I didn’t really have a timeline for getting back into posting, only that I didn’t want it to be too long and I wanted writing to feel natural again.

So now, here I am! And with such timing, too, as I’ll be celebrating f-i-v-e y-e-a-r-s of sharing my favorite recipes, restaurants, trips, crafts and tips with you this month. Time flies! There will be some cool changes coming soon-ish. Changes that I can’t wait to share with you, but will require some patience on your end (I’ve gotta whip some stuff together!) But hold tight! I think you’ll like what I have in store. So in the meantime, let’s get back to our first Friday Five of 2017, shall we!?

1. As my photo above indicates, the weather in Napa has been rainy as of late, which means I’m craving soups! This Thai-style soup is what dreams are made of.

2. This vintage map of France is amazing! The origin of every famous French food is mapped out.

3. While seemingly geared toward a family household, I love these tips for creating a happier home.

4. Want to make a sweet gift for Valentine’s Day? This sauce looks both easy and delicious!

5. SO proud of my home region of Napa Valley for making the New York Times’ list of places to visit in 2017! For those of you intent on visiting, let me know! Now to hit up the others on the list I’ve not yet been to..

Well, y’all, we finally made it to AUTUMN! I am so excited and can’t stop sharing it. What are you baking this weekend?!

It’s actually supposed to be a million degrees (give or take) in Napa this weekend, which means my baking will likely be delayed. Unless it cools off at night. Then I’ll bake the crap out of all the things. We’ll see.1. I was trying to replicate a recipe for a coconut macaroon I had the pleasure of devouring a few weeks ago and searched Pinterest for the recipe. While this recipe (my version in the photo above) wasn’t like the one I ate, it was so easy and turned out soooooo tasty!

2. Oooohhh! Another fancy Japanese restaurant is coming to Napa! Excited to see what this one brings.

3. OMG. So there was a #lazyreunion in Portugal (during high season!) and I cannot get over how heavenly their trip looks! The Lazy Travelers continue to blow up my wanderlist. The. End.

4. Autumn is hands down my favorite season. Food! Cozy sweaters! Baking! Chilly nights! Apples! I’m loving this compilation of things to do in Sonoma County, so I don’t have to drive all the way to Apple Hill every time I want an apple-centric experience.

5. Continuing on that thought… how amazing do these cookies sound? I absolutely love macadamia nuts. Browned butter? Yes please.

1. The wino spent 24 hours in this adorable New York town, and now I want to go, too. Such is life.

2. As usual, Jessica slays in the food gift department. I cannot wait to make these for Christmas gifts!

3. Even though I’m a local, I don’t have all of the best Napa Valley happy hours memorized. I tend to stick to the ones I know! I’m forever grateful for this updated Napa Valley happy hour list, which makes all of our lives a little easier.

4. I cannot even get over these muffins. I need them all in my life right. now.

5. Christina went to this charming Tennessee town and now I am figuring out how I can go. Great walking, Southern charm, and a foodie haven!? Count me in.

Considering I live in Napa, I rarely take part of all of the things this gorgeous valley has to offer. However, the past week (in my world) has been filled to the brim with all things Napa Valley. Coffee dates at Napa Valley Roasting Company, lunch at R+D Kitchen in Yountville (that veggie club, tho!), al fresco dinner at Bistro Don Giovanni’s, and Thomas Keller’s picture perfect macarons from Bouchon Bakery. All quintessential Napa Valley.

It definitely made me realize how I need to take advantage of everything my hometown has to offer more often! This Friday Five, you’ll notice I pay extra attention to news and articles regarding Napa Valley. I really couldn’t help myself!

1.Do you like Stone Brewing beer? Do you like Napa? You’re in luck! Check this recent news out.

2. This list of hidden gems in San Francisco has me in awe! That slide? The mosaic stairs!? I need to get exploring!

3. Have you ever considered taking a “voluntourism” trip? Erin breaks down what to look for and other considerations when traveling to volunteer on this post.

4. Congrats to one of my favorite Napa Valley restaurants on being included on this Top 100 Restaurants list!

5. Are you a plant killer, like me? Need ideas for easy care plants? Check this list out!

It’s been a while since I’ve played tourist in my hometown of Napa. The weather has been a bit more consistent and warm, so I’ve been itching to get outside. As usually happens with my life, I’m either booked up on the weekends or need a really, really good reason to get outdoors.

Enter UncommonGoods, a Brooklyn-based company specializing in unique items for your home, gifts, or yourself. I was invited to check out their extensive kitchen + bar tools section and pick my top favorites to try out. As someone who works at a nonprofit, I was absolutely swooning when I learned they’re a founding B Corp, which means they use the power of business to solve social and environmental problems. How could I say no? Read the rest of this entry →

We’re finally getting more rain in California and I couldn’t be more excited! However, my productivity has severely decreased because of it. When it starts raining, all I want to do is be curled up in my bed, wearing my comfy clothes, drinking something warm and watching something good. I just got thrown into House of Cards (at season 4, terrible idea), so that would work for me. Any other recommendations?